Don Talbot Speaks Out on Allegations of Sexual Misconduct

By Stephen J. Thomas

SYDNEY, Sept. 21. DON Talbot, former Australian national team head coach is calling for an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations leveled at elite coaches by former pupils, according a report on the Australian Broadcasting System.

Talbot says most allegations arise from the 1980s, when rub-down massages innocently performed by coaches left some swimmers feeling vulnerable.

He feels counselling may be a better option than court to resolve the problem.

"There are a spate of these things happening and I would think probably it might be wise for somebody to look at doing something," he said.

"I think that Australian Swimming or the Olympic Committee or the Commonwealth Games Committee or all of them together or the Sports Commission or somebody should maybe look at these things and see if something needs to be done."

Talbot, says it has been a traumatic time for Scott Volkers.

"It was stopping him from being able to coach and spend time on the deck and work with other athletes," he said.

"You know he's in a different job now actually and well he was looking professionally, 'well what am I going to do because, you know, I'm going to be permanently scarred?'.

"But the fact that they've dropped that now, you know they've been thrown out, is wonderful for him. It means he can get back in and do what he really wants to do."